Fuel prices have been declining over the past month due to seasonal trends and the falling price of crude, said Patrick DeHaan, a senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com. Nationwide, the average price for a gallon of gas is $2.26, and drivers are likely to see gas prices decline further as the holiday approaches.

“It’s going to be a terrific July 4 — which is typically the busiest driving holiday,” he said.

If you’re planning to hit the road over the holiday weekend, here’s how to maximize savings:

The more time you spend idling in traffic, the more fuel you’ll waste, Tamra Johnson, a spokeswoman for AAA, told CNBC earlier this summer. Of course, avoiding traffic on a holiday weekend is easier said than done.

“We definitely think the road will be crowded,” she said.

If you can, leave early (or late) to avoid peak traffic hours. On the road, use navigation tools and apps like Waze that can spot problems ahead and help you find alternate routes.

Prices tend to be higher at stations near highways, but you can still save even if you’re not willing to detour into a nearby town. Apps such as GasBuddy and AAA Mobile can help you find the best gas prices along your route.

“State lines are something to be very aware of,” said DeHaan.

Gas taxes can vary substantially, and it might be better to top off the tank than wait until later in your trip. In Pennsylvania, for example, the federal and state gas taxes add up to 77.7 cents per gallon, while in Ohio they total 46.41 cents. The difference is maybe $5 per fill-up for someone driving a small car, and $35 or more for an RV, he said.

Many stations vary pricing by how you pay, so it helps to have both cash and a rewards credit card in your wallet. At some stations, using cash could net you a discount.

If you opt to pay via credit, check to see which of your cards offers the best return on purchases. Some of the most generous offer 5 percent back, according to WalletHub.com rankings.

There can also be opportunities to save by paying via app. Users of Cumberland Farms SmartPay save 10 cents per gallon at the chain’s stations, for example, while Exxon customers using its SpeedPass+ app can redeem Plenti reward points to cut the total price of their fill-up.